Chapter 117 Reactions to Five Million in Various Dynasties

When Qin Shubao, Zhou Yu, and Bai Qi learned that Huo Qubing had fed the rebel army instant noodles for lunch, they all cursed him in their hearts for his extravagance.

You know, feeding so many hungry men instant noodles, one person eating ten packs is like child's play.

They can't afford it.

They ate lunch from the county government's granary—a very simple meal of meat broth and flatbread, a very homely meal, but it was filling.

Instant noodles are such an unhealthy food.

Qin Shubao and Yuchi Jingde exchanged a glance, indicating their agreement.

Bai Qi remained calm and didn't say a word.

Django looked around and found that almost everyone had arrived, except for Wei Zhongxian. He wondered what Wei Zhongxian had been doing all day, which was very unusual.

He had always been by her side, never leaving her side.

The others had a casual relationship with Wei Zhongxian and didn't pay much attention to him, but Zheng He did notice him a little more.

A series of white lights flashed, and everyone returned to their respective dynasties.

As the sun set, Xianyang Palace was bathed in a golden-red afterglow.

Bai Qi strode heavily through the palace gates, his armor still bearing the scent of the training ground. To his surprise, King Zhaoxiang of Qin was still standing on the stone steps in front of the palace, waiting for him to finish his shift. His wide, dark royal robes fluttered in the evening breeze, and Prime Minister Fan Sui stood beside him.

Since learning about history, he hadn't seen Fan Sui for a long time. He didn't know how to face him. If he could take revenge, he hadn't suffered any real harm yet, and Fan Sui was very talented; King Zhaoxiang of Qin relied on him greatly.

In the Qin state, Fan Sui could not be easily harmed.

"Lord Wu'an, Chancellor Fan has something to say to you." Ying Ji's tone seemed similar to before, but if you listened carefully, you would find it much gentler.

Fan Sui stepped forward three times, his wide sleeves trailing to the ground, and bowed deeply to Bai Qi. This strategist, renowned for his wisdom, almost touched the ground with his forehead: "I, Sui, was short-sighted, and I, along with Lord Wu'an... apologize." The last two words trembled slightly.

Bai Qi gazed at Fan Sui's hunched back, recalling the history Hei Fu had recounted. Although history had been rewritten this time, sparing him from the agonizing thought of suicide, those wounds still left a lingering resentment in his heart.

Now, King Zhaoxiang of Qin is personally trying to smooth over this problem.

"Please rise, Prime Minister," Bai Qi said calmly, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger. There were some things he could not concern himself with, for to do so would touch upon the inviolable source—royal power itself.

"Lord Wu'an, how was today?" Ying Ji asked impatiently, his eyes gleaming with an unusual light. This powerful ruler, having tasted success, was naturally unwilling to give up.

Bai Qi recounted his observations in Songyang County. When he mentioned the number five million, King Zhaoxiang of Qin was momentarily flustered, his fingers unconsciously clenching the hem of his robe, his eagerness impossible to conceal.

Five million!

That's five million!

How long would it take Bai Qi to save up five million by working?

It's just about attacking cities. In this world, no, in Songyang County, is there anyone more skilled in leading troops than Bai Qi?

Is there anyone in the world more skilled in warfare than Bai Qi?

Qin Shi Huang did not know.

But at this moment, he was staring at the uneasy Blackie in front of him, his brows furrowed into a deep frown. Five million weighed on his heart like a boulder.

"Why did Magistrate Jiang choose you?" Ying Zheng's voice wasn't loud, but it made the air in the hall freeze. He paced slowly, the hem of his dragon robe brushing against the floor tiles, making a soft rustling sound.

Hei Fu's back was soaked with sweat, and he hung his head like a child who had done something wrong. Seeing this, Fu Su subtly shifted his body, sat down gracefully on the ground, and pulled Hei Fu behind him.

“Father,” Fusu said gently, “Hei Fu is also…”

Ying Zheng raised his hand, and Fusu immediately fell silent.

The First Emperor's sharp eyes were like two drawn swords, making it impossible to look directly at him. Fusu could even see the beads of sweat rolling down Heifu's forehead, shimmering in the candlelight.

"General," Ying Zheng suddenly turned to the previously silent Wang Jian, his tone unusually tinged with helplessness, "Do you have a good plan? I dare not even think about five cities, but at least..." He paused, as if making a great decision, "...at least take one city, a million coins should be enough, right?"

As he spoke the last few words, this emperor, who had swept across the land, revealed a rare sincerity. Fusu was surprised to discover that his father also had such a human side.

Then look at General Wang Jian, who seems to accept Ying Zheng's coquettishness quite well.

Wang Jian stroked his white beard, his gaze shifting back and forth across the map. After a long while, the old general finally spoke slowly: "After much deliberation..." He deliberately dragged out his words, causing Ying Zheng to unconsciously lean forward, "There is only one way."

The hall fell silent; the dripping of the water clock could be heard. Hei Fu stealthily glanced up and saw that Ying Zheng's eyes were frighteningly bright. Then—

"Changing generals at the last minute."

The Qin Dynasty was preparing to change its generals before battle, and the Han Dynasty also wanted to change its generals.

Huo Qubing had just finished reporting the situation.

"I request a change of general."

Wei Qing suddenly stepped forward, the sound of his body hitting the ground startling the emperor from his reverie.

Huo Qubing suddenly looked up, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Uncle?" He didn't know why his uncle would want to change generals at this time. Did he still not believe in his abilities?

Some injuries are inevitable.

Wei Qing knelt on the ground, unmoved. It wasn't that he didn't believe in Qu Bing's abilities, but rather that siege warfare prioritized stability, especially with a killing god like Bai Qi present, and His Majesty determined to capture the five million strongholds. A defeat...

Liu Che's gaze shifted between his nephew and uncle. The young General of the Cavalry was like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, its edge fully revealed; while General Wei Qing was like a steady mountain, undisturbed by wind or rain.

"Bai Qi is in Songyang County." Wei Qing's voice was low. He wanted to remind Qu Bing not to be rash. His brief glimpse of Bai Qi in Songyang County last time was enough to determine that Bai Qi's reputation was well-deserved.

However, Wei Qing's reminder did not enlighten Huo Qubing; instead, it fueled his competitive spirit.

Huo Qubing stood up, his hand on his sword: "This humble general is willing to sign a military pledge!" The young general's jawline tightened into a stubborn arc.

Liu Che looked at Huo Qubing and thought about how he often surprised people.

"allow."

—-

"I forbid my father from going to war again."

"Prime Minister, what did you have for lunch today?"

"Father, I don't care about five million."

...

As soon as Zhuge Liang returned, Liu Shan kept asking him questions, such as whether it was five million or not, but he didn't care at all.

Zhuge Liang looked at him, his gaze gentle yet profound.

He knew Liu Shan's thoughts all too well—this young emperor wasn't indifferent to money at all; he was clearly preoccupied with instant noodles, spicy hot pot, braised pork, and milk tea, and couldn't spare any attention for anything else.

Sure enough, Liu Shan's next question was: "Prime Minister, do you still have that instant noodles from last time? The braised beef flavor..."

Zhuge Liang shook his head helplessly, but still slowly took out a paper package from his sleeve. As soon as the package was opened, a sweet aroma immediately filled the air—it was a golden and soft egg yolk pastry.

Liu Shan's eyes instantly brightened.

This had become an unspoken habit between them. Every time Zhuge Liang returned, he would bring Liu Shan some fresh food. Although his salary was meager, Zhuge Liang would never let His Majesty go hungry.

"Eat slowly." Zhuge Liang handed over the egg yolk pastry, watching Liu Shan eagerly take a big bite, his cheeks bulging, looking just like a squirrel stealing food.

Liu Shan, whose mouth was stuffed with delicious food, finally quieted down.

Zhuge Liang then straightened his sleeves and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, I have made preparations. Today's lunch will be vegetarian noodles, so Your Majesty can rest assured."

He paused, then added gently, "As for the five million... Your Majesty may not care, but the people of Shu Han do."

Liu Shan chewed on a salted egg yolk pastry, giving a mumbled "hmm," it was unclear how much he actually understood. Zhuge Liang looked at him, his eyes filled with both affection and a barely perceptible worry.

How can anyone feel at ease with such a lord?

Zhuge Liang had many concerns about Liu Shan, while Zhou Yu's lord did not—

They had just finished reporting.

"It's just five cities."

Sun Quan suddenly slammed his hand on the table and rose abruptly, his black sleeves sweeping over the teacup. The amber tea spread across the bamboo slips like a free-flowing ink painting. "Why should Gongjin trouble himself? We, the fine sons of Jiangdong—"

What Bai Qi? What Huo Qubing?

He didn't care about any of them.

He personally shot the tiger, just like Sun Lang.

Zhou Yu's lips curled up slightly. He recalled that before the Battle of Red Cliffs, it was this almost reckless spirit that allowed the twenty-something Sun Quan to dare to say to Cao Cao's 800,000-strong army, "I am irreconcilably opposed to that old thief."

The spirited young man knew nothing of fear; even if he encountered a mountain, he would not hesitate to collide with it. He would crash into it with a deafening roar, causing the earth to tremble.

The officials of Eastern Wu responded one after another.

So what if he's the God of Slaughter, Bai Qi? We still need to have a go.

The people of the Tang Dynasty were also eager to participate, as the rewards were simply too generous to resist.

With five million, what changes will occur in the Tang Dynasty?

How will future generations evaluate those who created the Tang Dynasty?

Just imagining this future made everyone's breath quicken. People study and practice martial arts only to achieve fame and lasting recognition; they have already accomplished these things, but they still want to do even better.

Ambition is like a boulder rolling down a mountain; it never stops.

Li Shimin's fingers unconsciously caressed the jade belt at his waist, his lips involuntarily murmuring "five million, five million, what a prosperous Tang Dynasty could be built with that?"

"Shubao and Jingde".

The emperor's voice suddenly rang out, startling the generals from their reverie. Cheng Yaojin then realized that His Majesty was already standing before the "Map of Mountains and Rivers," the candlelight outlining a dazzling golden edge around him.

"From today onwards, submit a detailed report on the training every day before 7 PM." Li Shimin tapped his finger lightly: "Specify the training progress, the newly formed crossbow formations, and even..." He suddenly leaned forward and said, "The morale of the soldiers."

A hint of surprise flashed across Yuchi Jingde's dark face. This was far too meticulous.

However, he and Qin Shubao still accepted the imperial decree.

"As for the siege..."

Li Shimin suddenly straightened up, and the jade beads on his crown collided with each other, making a crisp sound like pearls falling onto a plate.

"The pharmacist has full authority to handle this."

Li Jing's white eyebrows trembled almost imperceptibly. Bai Qi, Huo Qubing, Zhuge Liang, Zhou Yu, Zheng He and other famous generals from different eras were all in Songyang County. Who would be the final winner?

He didn't know.

"What I want..." the emperor's voice was soft, yet it sent a jolt through everyone's hearts, "not five million, but what five million can buy—a more prosperous and flourishing Tang Dynasty."

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Author's Note: This chapter is an extra chapter to thank everyone for their support. Thank you all for the nutrient solution and support. Because the current title doesn't get many clicks, I'm planning to change it to "Empress, Starting with Recruiting Zhuge Liang." I originally wanted to ride the coattails of Qin Shi Huang's popularity, but I haven't recruited him yet [glasses][glasses]. Please don't let it get too long, and give it lots of support [hugs].